Overview
Senior Software Engineer (Design System) role within the Design System team. The role focuses on building and evolving a shared UI component library and related assets used by multiple product teams. You will translate design intent into high‑quality, accessible, and reusable components to enable consistent user experiences at scale, with emphasis on front‑end capabilities, developer experience, and supporting consuming teams through documentation, versioning, and ongoing maintenance.
Key Responsibilities
* Lead Software Development Projects: Guide design, development, and implementation of software solutions that are robust, scalable, and aligned with The Open University objectives. Provide technical leadership and mentorship, and may include line management for junior team members.
* Architect and Design Systems: Develop and refine system architectures and software designs that meet requirements, ensuring maintainability, security, performance, observability, supportability, and resilience with monitoring, alerting, and operational documentation.
* Drive Technical Excellence: Champion best practices in software development, including coding standards, TDD and automated testing (unit and integration), and version control to deliver high‑quality, scalable software products.
* Oversee System Integration: Manage integration of multiple software components for seamless interaction and functionality across the system.
* Data Management and Analysis: Lead data modelling, database design, and business intelligence efforts to support data‑driven decision making and improve system performance.
* Enhance User Experience: Collaborate with UX designers to ensure user experience is a key consideration and translate user needs into functional software features that deliver value.
* Monitor and Assess Emerging Technologies: Stay informed about new technologies and evaluate their potential to enhance current and future projects.
* Implement Security and Compliance Standards: Ensure software solutions comply with security standards and industry regulations; implement best practices to protect data and maintain integrity.
* Quality Assurance and Testing: Oversee comprehensive testing strategies (functional, non‑functional, and security testing) to ensure reliability and performance.
* Support Operational Excellence: Contribute to stability and performance of applications by supporting incident and problem management, using observability data, as part of a build‑run‑own approach; participate in out‑of‑hours support as required and in service level planning.
* Requirements Analysis: Work with stakeholders to understand needs, define technical requirements, assess feasibility, and document/manage requirements to align with project goals.
* Resource and Supplier Management: Assist in resource allocation and collaborate with external vendors to meet project needs.
About You
Key Skills and Experience:
* Proven Software Engineering Expertise: Extensive experience in software development, testing, debugging, code review, and strong programming, system design, and testing practices.
* Strong System and Software Design Skills: Ability to design scalable systems with architectural integrity, experience with modern patterns such as microservices, API‑first design, and cloud‑native platforms.
* Advanced Data Management: Skilled in data modelling, database design, and BI to support analytics.
* User‑Centred Development: Experience integrating UX principles into the software development process.
* Emerging Technology Enthusiast: Passion for exploring new technologies to enhance solutions.
* Security and Compliance Focus: Knowledgeable in security and regulatory compliance to protect systems and data.
* Quality Assurance Leader: Strong focus on testing strategies to ensure reliability and performance.
* Effective Analysis and Requirements Management: Ability to translate user needs into technical requirements and assess feasibility.
* Operational and Resource Management: Experience in resource management and working with external suppliers.
* Modern Engineering Practices and AI Enablement: Experience with automated testing, CI/CD, cloud‑native development, DevOps practices, and using AI tools to improve productivity while considering governance, security, and cost.
Behaviours
* Leadership and Mentorship: Lead by example, guide teammates, and foster a collaborative environment.
* Analytical and Strategic Thinking: Capable of addressing complex challenges with strategic solutions.
* Proactive and Innovative: Seeks improvements and embraces new technologies and methods.
* Attention to Detail: Ensures accuracy and quality in coding, testing, and documentation.
* Effective Communicator: Communicates technical concepts clearly to technical and non‑technical stakeholders.
How to Apply / Support with your application
If you have questions or need support or adjustments related to your application or the role, please contact us on 01908 541111 or email careers@open.ac.uk quoting the advert reference number.
What\'s in it for you?
The Open University offers a range of benefits, flexible working policies, and work‑life balance. Details are available on the Staff Benefits page.
Flexible working
We are open to discussing flexible working arrangements. The role is anticipated to be hybrid; some attendance in the Milton Keynes office may be required, on average about once per month.
Next steps in the Recruitment process
Interviews are expected to take place online via Microsoft Teams during the week of 15 June 2026.
Early closing date notification
Applications may close earlier if a sufficient number of suitable applications are received; all roles will remain advertised for at least one week before closure. If you have started an application, we can offer support and adjustments as needed.
How to apply
To apply, submit:
* CV
* A personal statement up to 1000 words outlining why you are interested and how your skills meet the criteria described above.
You can view progress and communications when logged into the recruitment system. Please check spam/junk folders for updates.
Contact us
Careers@open.ac.uk
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